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World Heart Day (29 Sep)


Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, with an estimated 32% of global deaths happening due to CVD. Of these deaths, an approximate 85% were due to heart attacks and stroke. According to the Singapore Heart Foundation, around 23 people die every day due to CVD in Singapore, with CVD accounting for around 31.4% of all deaths in 2022.

The World Health Organisation reports that almost half (48%) of CVD related deaths occur prematurely, among those aged 30-70 which imposes significant socioeconomic burdens on families, communities and countries.

Hence, for World Heart Day 2025, it is important to realise the importance of taking care of your heart health by taking actions to better prevent, detect and manage cardiovascular diseases.

Main Causes of CVD

Some important behavioural risk factors of CVD include an unhealthy diet that is high in trans and saturated fats and sodium, living a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and the use of tobacco products, and the overconsumption of alcohol.
 

These behavioural risk factors may present in you as high blood pressure, high blood glucose levels, high blood lipids (fats), and being overweight or obese. The National Population Healthy Survey reports that over one in three Singaporeans aged between 18 to 74 has hypertension, while the Ministry of Health states that approximately one in twelve Singaporeans suffer from diabetes.

Other risk factors of CVD also include stress and hereditary factors.

Ways to Manage CVD

Drug treatments of hypertension, diabetes and high blood lipids can help to reduce your cardiovascular risk and prevent heart attacks and strokes among people that exhibit symptoms of CVD.

Cessation of tobacco use, reducing your intake of sodium and bad fats, eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking alcohol in moderation and exercising regularly have been shown to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

You can also go for regular health screenings to better monitor your heart health by alerting you of any concerning signs of CVD early. It’s never too late to take charge of your heart health.


Heart Disease: Why it Matters

In Singapore, 21 people die from cardiovascular disease every day. In 2021, cardiovascular disease accounted for 32% – or around one in three – of all local deaths. Dr. Gerard Leong discusses this topic and more in the article below.
Read the story



The heart is one of the most important organs in the human body. Located in the chest on the left, the heart pumps blood throughout the body via the circulatory system, supplying oxygen and nutrients.

A healthy heart is essential to good health. In fact, a healthy human heart beats about 100,000 times a day, with an average adult’s heart beating about 60 to 80 times per minute.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is a term that houses all conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.


Empowering Yourself with Knowledge

This resource provides information about heart health, including:

  • Importance of Heart Health: Understand the importance of maintaining your heart health.
  • Common Heart Disease: Learn about the different types of common heart diseases and their characteristics.
  • Key Risk Factors: Explore various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that may leave you susceptible to heart disease.
  • Ways to Improve Heart Health: Learn about lifestyle factors and preventive measures to minimize your risk of heart disease.


What is Heart Health?

Heart health is the overall well-being of your cardiovascular system, which consists of your heart and blood vessels. It encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and management of conditions that affect the heart and circulatory system, collectively known as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). A healthy heart functions to efficiently pump blood throughout your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your organs and tissues. It is important to maintain good heart health for your overall well-being and longevity.

Importance of Heart Health

  • CVDs are a leading cause of death globally, making heart health crucial for overall health.
  • Poor heart health can lead to various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and arrhythmias.


What Causes Heart Disease?

Heart disease is caused by a complex interplay of factors, including:

  • Non-Modifiable Factors: Age, gender, ethnicity, family history, and inherited genetic mutations.
  • Modifiable Factors:
    • Lifestyle: Diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
    • Health: Pre-existing conditions (i.e., diabetes), obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol


Symptoms of Heart

Disease Heart disease symptoms vary depending on the type of heart disease. However, some general signs and symptoms include:

  • Chest pains
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness or light-headedness

Important Note: These symptoms may also be indicative of other health conditions. Speak to our Specialists today for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.


Common Heart Diseases in Singapore

  • Coronary Artery Disease is the most common heart disease and happens due to blockages in your coronary arteries.
  • Heart Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats, which can be too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregular.
  • Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, can lead to serious complications like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.
  • Congenital Heart Disease are heart defects present at birth due to abnormal heart development during pregnancy.
  • Heart Failure occurs when the heart muscle is weakened or damaged and can't pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs.


Improving Heart Health

Here are some helpful ways to improve your heart health:

  • Eat a heart-healthy diet with an emphasis on fruits and vegetables while limiting your intake of fats and sodium.
  • Engage in regular physical activities with at least 150 minutes of moderate activities or 75 minutes of vigorous activities.
  • Achieving a healthy weight and maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI).
  • Quit Smoking and avoid tobacco use
  • Learn ways to manage your stress as chronic stress may contribute to heart disease.


Think you know your heart health?

Our Heart Health Guide answers your questions relating to the heart!

  • Managing your cholesterol
  • What to eat for a healthy heart
  • Measuring your BMI
  • Exercising for the Heart
  • Screening for the Heart


Click on the image to download now!

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